The La Plata dolphin or Franciscana - Toninha (Pontoporia blainvillei) is one of the smallest dolphin species with a maximum body length of 1.70 m and a body weight of 45 kg. In Brazil it is called Toninha. It has a grey-brown coloration, with the back usually being slightly darker than the belly. The head is very round and the beak is exceptionally slender and long. In relation to body length, this is the longest beak of all dolphin species. The fin is triangular with a rounded tip and is well developed compared to the other river dolphin species. The flippers are extremely broad.
Although belonging to the river dolphin family, the La Plata dolphin is a predominantly marine species. Its range is limited to the coastal areas of Atlantic waters in South America from Espirito Santo, Brazil to the Valdez Peninsula, Argentina. The animals prefer shallow coastal waters and are rarely seen in water depths of over 20 meters.
In terms of behavior, La Plata dolphins are rather shy and inconspicuous and lack the acrobatic leaps typical of many dolphin species. They live in small groups of up to five animals, but are usually only seen as individuals. The gestation period is around 10 to 11 months. The calves are mainly born in the months from November to January and are then suckled by their mothers for around 9 months. La Plata dolphins often swim lying on their backs or sides. This behavior has also been observed in other river dolphins and is associated with the echolocation behavior of the animals. Due to the direction of emission of the echolocation clicks (dorso-frontal) and the dolphins' search for food, this swimming position is extremely useful for tracking down prey on the sea or river floor.
Dangers
As the La Plata dolphin - Franciscana - Toninha(Pontoporia blainvillei) lives predominantly near the coast, it is particularly sensitive to anthropogenic influences. The increasing pollution of the waters by toxic chemicals and the regional fishing industry have greatly reduced the population in recent decades. Coastal fishing in particular and the resulting high number of bycatch victims is a cause for concern. Overfishing of its prey fish has already driven the La Plata dolphin out of some areas of its original range.
The franciscana dolphin - Toninha is now the most endangered dolphin species in South America.
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